House explodes in Jefferson City; six injured in mass casualty incident

In the early hours of November 30, 2024, the Jefferson City Fire Department (JCFD) responded to a reported house explosion on the 2400 block of St. Louis Road.

Based on the initial reports of multiple victims, the responding EMS Chief Officer upgraded the call to a Mass Casualty Incident. Six individuals were inside the structure at the time of the explosion.

Upon arrival, EMS crews immediately encountered multiple victims with injuries ranging from moderate to severe. EMS crews provided multiple victims with critical care interventions including advanced airway procedures and the administration of CyanoKits (Hydroxocobalamin).

Due to the extent of injuries, some patients required multiple EMS resources to provide stabilizing care during transport. Ultimately, two patients were transported to Jefferson City Airport and flown to University Hospital in Columbia. The remaining four patients were transported by ground to University Hospital.

Rescue operations were particularly challenging due to the extensive structural collapse and significant debris.

The Fire Department’s Special Operations Rescue Team (SORT) played a critical role in these efforts, bringing technical expertise to the complex situation. The team had to carefully tunnel through layers of debris to reach the final occupant, who required intensive extrication. Their skill and dedication ensured that six individuals were safely removed by 5:52AM. Additionally, two pets were rescued from the structure and are now in the care of animal control.

The emergency response involved eight units from the JCFD, as well as members of the Jefferson City Police Department.

There were 37 fire and EMS personnel at the site. In total, 9 advanced life support ambulances, 3 Chief Officers, and 3 medical helicopters responded to the incident. Cole County EMS was assisted by mutual-aid resources from Osage, Callaway, and Mid-Mo Ambulance Districts, MU Air Medical, Mercy LifeLine, and AirEvac Lifeteam.

Jefferson City Public Works also provided crucial support by deploying an excavator to assist with debris removal, which will continue throughout the day.

The cause of the explosion remains under investigation.